Congress Seeks to Rebuke Saudis Over Khashoggi Murder

Saudi Arabia’s murder of Jamal Khashoggi, and the increasing conviction among members of Congress that the Saudi crown prince was involved in the matter, is fueling a flurry of measures in Congress aimed at rebuking the Saudis.

In the Senate, there is a non-binding resolution that explicitly singles out the crown prince, and calls on the Saudi government to release political prisoners. A much bigger vote, also expected next week, would end the US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen.

President Trump has opposed all measures against the prince, and against the Saudis. He has argued that large Saudi arms deals are too important to risk over Khashoggi. With no White House rebuke coming, many in Congress believe they have to carry out their own measures.

Senate officials say floor debate on Yemen is likely to begin Monday. Those wishing to call their senators should do so in the next few days before the matter comes up for vote. You can do this by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202)224-3121 or by finding individual contact information here.